OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IL-4, IFN-gamma levels in the peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODSFlow cytometer was used to analyze the CD4- CD8- T cells ratio in the peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and the IL-4, IFN-gamma levels were detected by ELISA.

RESULTSThe ratio of CD4- CD8- T cell in CD3+ T cell from 25 pancreatic carcinoma patients was (4.2 +/- 1.7)%, the ratio of CD4- CD8- T cell in CD3+ T cell from 45 healthy person was (6.3 +/- 2.6)%, there was significant deviation between the two groups (P < 0.01). The IL-4 level of 25 pancreatic carcinoma patients was (86.3 +/- 23.3) fg/L, the IL-4 level of 45 healthy person was (56.2 +/- 9.2) fg/L,there was significant deviation between the two groups (P < 0.01). The IFN-gamma level of 25 pancreatic carcinoma patients was (16.4 +/- 4.8) fg/L before operation, the IFN-gamma level of 45 healthy person was (27.4 +/- 3.8) fg/L, there was significant deviation between the two groups (P < 0.01). The ratio of CD4- CD8- T cell in pancreatic carcinoma patient after operation was higher than before operation. It could be found negative correlation between CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IL-4 level in pancreatic carcinoma patient,it could also be found positive correlation between CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IFN-gamma level in pancreatic carcinoma patient. In pancreatic carcinoma patient, the CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IL-4 level was significant associated with clinical stage (P < 0.05), but no relationship with histological differentiation (P > 0.05), it could be found no relationship between IFN-gamma level and clinical stage, histological differentiation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe CD4- CD8- T cells ratio in the peripheral blood of patients is decreased,it may be participate in the carcinogenesis and development of pancreatic carcinoma by influence the IFN-gamma levels.